Zenkaikon aims to create a friendly, safe, and welcoming environment for all of its members. For this reason, it is important that all convention attendees read and follow the policies below.

Also, please remember that anything illegal outside the convention is illegal inside the convention. All federal, state, and local laws apply.

• General Policies
• Disruptive Behavior
• Harassment Policy
• Accessibility
• Lines
• Minors
• 18+ Programming
• Cameras and Photography
• Dances
• Autographs
• Dress Code & Cosplay Policies
• Signs
• Weapons and Cosplay Props
• Page a Chair
• Disclaimer

General Policies

• A Zenkaikon membership badge is issued to a single individual. The sharing of badges is not permitted. Any badge found being used by an individual other than the person to whom the badge was issued may be revoked.
• Please have your convention badge visible at all times. If you are at any time asked to present your badge by a Zenkaikon Staff Member, a Zenkaikon Volunteer, or a Convention Center Staff Member, please do so.
• Zenkaikon does not allow open alcohol within convention spaces. If you would like to consume alcohol, you may do so in one of the hotel bars, local restaurants, or your hotel room. Under no circumstances may alcohol be given to someone less than 21 years of age.
• All sales of goods or services within the convention center must be pre-approved by Zenkaikon (for example, vendors and artists within the Exhibit Hall, and the official Zenkaikon photo booth). All other sales or panhandling fall under the convention center’s “no solicitation” policy and are not permitted.
• We like the Convention Center, and the Convention Center likes us. We’d like to keep it that way. Please respect Convention Center and Zenkaikon property, and follow any policies the Lancaster County Convention Center and Lancaster Marriott set forth.
• Also, please remember that the Convention Center, hotels, and local businesses are not dedicated completely to Zenkaikon throughout the weekend. Please be considerate and respectful of non-convention individuals at all times, as you represent more than just yourself, but the entire fandom community.

Disruptive Behavior

While we want everyone to have fun at the convention, disruptive behavior interferes with the enjoyment of our fellow members, and is not permitted. Examples of disruptive behavior include, but are not limited to: running; yelling or using disruptive noise makers; rough-housing; profanity; public intoxication; blocking traffic flow; or any other behavior which is deemed disruptive, dangerous, or that common sense dictates you should not do.

Some behaviors such as theft, vandalism, assault, or any other action deemed highly disruptive or illegal may be grounds for immediate removal from convention spaces, revocation of a member’s membership and badge, and/or notification of the proper authorities.

Harassment Policy

Zenkaikon is dedicated to providing a friendly, safe, and welcoming experience for everyone in both our in-person and online spaces.  In-person spaces include all convention center and other meeting rooms where our annual event takes place. Our online spaces include Discord, Zoom, Twitch, YouTube, other video conferencing interfaces, associated chat/messaging areas, social media accounts, etc., related to Zenkaikon.

Harassment of any kind, including, but not limited to: verbal or physical assault, deliberate intimidation, stalking, or unwelcome physical or online attention, will not be tolerated. If someone tells you “no” or to leave them alone, your business with them is done. If you continue to attempt to have contact with that person, you may be removed from the premises or from our online spaces.

Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

• Offensive comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, mental illness, neuro(a)typicality, physical appearance, body size, age, race, or religion, or other lifestyle choices and practices.
• Deliberate misgendering or use of ‘dead’ or rejected names.
• Gratuitous or off-topic sexual images or behavior in inappropriate spaces.
• Simulated or actual physical contact (e.g., textual descriptions like “*hug*” or “*backrub*”) without consent or after a request to stop.
• Threats of violence, including encouraging a person to commit suicide or to engage in self-harm.
• Deliberate intimidation.
• Stalking or following.
• Taking video recordings or screenshots without prior consent and for purposes of harassment.
• Unwelcome sexual attention.
• Continued one-on-one communication after requests to cease.
• Deliberate “outing” of any aspect of a person’s identity without their consent.
• Sharing of non-harassing private communication without consent.

 Zenkaikon reserves the right not to act on complaints regarding:

• Reasonable communication of boundaries, such as “leave me alone,” “go away,” or “I’m not discussing this with you.”
• Communicating in a ‘tone’ you don’t find congenial.
• Criticizing racist, sexist, cissexist, or otherwise oppressive behavior or assumptions.

Zenkaikon is not responsible for solving disagreements and interpersonal problems between individual members outside of the convention.

Our harassment policy applies to everyone – including but not limited to Zenkaikon standard and VIP members, staff, volunteers, contractors, guests, panelists, vendors, and artists. 

Reporting: 

At Con/In Person

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please notify a member of Zenkaikon Staff immediately so that they may address it. Zenkaikon Staff can be identified by their blue “Zenkaikon Staff ” T-shirts and “STAFF” ribbons on their badges. If you feel our staff has not been able to meet your needs, or if you have further concerns, please Page a Chair.

Online

If a participant of Zenkaikon’s online spaces is harassing you, you notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact the Code of Conduct Team (#moderators) on the Zenkaikon Discord. If the person who is harassing you is on the team, they will recuse themselves from handling your incident. We will respond as promptly as we can.

 If you do not feel comfortable addressing your concerns directly with our staff, you may also use our contact form, and select ‘Zenkaikon Online’ as the category.

Consequences

Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.

If a participant engages in harassing behavior,  Zenkaikon Staff may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including expulsion from all Zenkaikon online and/or in-person spaces and other measures as seen fit by the convention chairperson and Board of Directors.

Page a Chair Program

If you are uncomfortable about how a policy is enforced or how you are treated by a Zenkaikon staff member or volunteer, you can ask for a Chair to be paged. The Zenkaikon staff member or volunteer will call for the Zenkaikon Chair Person on duty. The Chair will come to your location to assist as soon as possible. 

Accessibility

The Lancaster County Convention Center and Tellus360 are ADA accessible. For our members with accessibility challenges, Zenkaikon has an Accessibility Desk in the Registration lobby. When you arrive at the convention, please proceed directly to the Accessibility Desk. A staff member will assist you and provide you with a ribbon that will allow additional accommodations such as alternative waiting areas and priority elevator access. You may also visit our Accessibility Desk or Information Desk during the convention with any questions or concerns and we will be happy to assist you. Prior to the convention, questions can be sent to accessibility@zenkaikon.org.

Only ADA-recognized service animals are allowed within the convention center. Zenkaikon and the Marriott Penn Square/Lancaster County Convention Center do not allow pets or emotional support animals anywhere in the convention space. Service dogs are not pets. Please remember that a service animal is a working animal, and should not be touched or distracted without the owner’s explicit permission.

We work within the limits of our finances, logistics, facilities, and volunteer staffing to strive to create an event that works for all of our members. We always welcome discussion exploring how we can better accommodate our convention attendees.

Lines

• It is unavoidable that there will be lines for some events. We recommend bringing a book, Nintendo DS, or another hand held gaming device to pass the time while waiting in a line.
• All lines will start a maximum of 30 minutes before the event or seating for the event takes place, no exceptions.
• Please follow all directions given by staff members, as their number one priority is making sure you have a safe and fun weekend at Zenkaikon.
• The 3 simple steps of line “etiquette” .
  • Please make sure that your badge is out and visible. (It should always be out, but we understand you may have put it away for a cosplay picture)
  • Please make sure the badge artwork is facing forward.
  • As you make it to the door, please lift your badge to the person at the door’s eye level so they can check it. If you are going to an 18+ panel, please use the hand the wrist band is on.
• V.I.P. members have priority access to the Exhibit Hall and first of line privileges for Main Events and ONLY Main Events. If you have a V.I.P. badge please let the line staff know.
• Cutting in line and “holding” spots will not be tolerated.  All those caught will be sent to the back of the line. Repeat offenders may face expulsion from Zenkaikon. 

Minors

• All members who will be under the age of 18 on the date of the convention will be required to complete and bring a signed Parental Consent Form to present at the registration check-in desk. Copies of these forms will be available at the convention, or may be downloaded from the Zenkaikon website. We recommend that all members under the age of 18 attend with a parent or guardian.
• Anyone under the age of 13 is required to have a parent or guardian with them at all times. Accompanying parents or guardians must also be registered for the convention.
• We do not charge membership fees for children age 9 and under.

18+ Programming

Some Zenkaikon programming will be labeled as 18+ only. Anyone who wishes to attend 18+ programming must be at least 18 years of age on the day of the event, and must obtain an 18+ wristband from the wristband booth prior to the program.

• Only a valid, government-issued photo ID will be accepted as identification for issuing 18+ wristbands.
• 18+ wristbands will be available at Registration at designated times and locations. 
• An 18+ wristband will grant an attendee access to 18+ programming for an entire weekend, no need to line up for a new one each day

Cameras and Photography

• With the exception of video screening rooms, most areas of Zenkaikon allow photography, unless otherwise specified. 
• Use of stationary photography setups (e.g., lighting, backdrops, and tripods for longer than a simple group shot) are limited to the official Zenkaikon Photo Booth and members of the press who are approved by the Communications Department.
• All sales of goods or services within the convention center must be pre-approved by Zenkaikon (for example, vendors and artists within the Exhibit Hall, and the official Zenkaikon photo booth). All other sales or panhandling fall under the convention center’s “no solicitation” policy and are not permitted.
• Please be considerate when stopping to take photos in the hallway by making the photo stop quick, and not blocking the main flow of traffic, particularly on stairwells and landings.
• Out of respect for our members’ privacy, we also request that you get permission before taking photos of attendees or guests.

Dances

• “Stringing”/”poi” of glow sticks (swinging around glow sticks on strings or lanyards) and moshing will not be allowed during dances due to space and safety concerns.
• No bags, food, or beverages will be permitted in the dances.  A coat/bag check will be available during dance hours.

Autographs

• Lines for autographs will start 30 minutes before the autograph session.
• Unfortunately, we can not guarantee everyone an autograph so we have to limit attendees.
• A limited number of tickets will be distributed to people in line on a first-come, first-serve basis, based on the length of the session. If you do not have a ticket, you are not guaranteed to get an autograph at that session.
• Free autographs are limited to 1 item per person. At the guests’ discretion, guests may choose to sign additional items for a fee. (For more details, please see our Autograph Sessions page)
• Guests will not sign any bootleg or illegal items. Please bring licensed items only.
• Please have whatever item you want autographed ready to be signed by the time you reach the front of the line. (e.g. Remove CD sleeves/DVD cover from their cases before you get to the guest.)
• Out of courtesy to those in line behind you, please try not to take up a lot of the guests’ time when you reach the front of the line. To save time, you can think of what you want to say to the guest as having a 30 second limit, and try writing it down before you get there.

Dress Code & Cosplay Policies

Zenkaikon is a family-friendly event, and attendees are asked to dress accordingly. Zenkaikon Staff reserves the right to ask an attendee to change if their clothing (or lack thereof) is deemed inappropriate.

• Shoes or footwear are required at all times.
• No rollerblades, Heelies (with wheels inserted), hoverboards, or stilts are permitted, due to safety and space concerns.
• Masks covering an attendee’s face should be easily removable upon request by Convention Center Staff or Zenkaikon Staff.

Signs

Solicitation signs are prohibited (“Glomps for Free”, “FreeHugs”, “Glomp Me”, etc.). Included in this rule are shirts and other clothing with solicitation phrases used in lieu of physical signs. Other types of signs are allowed only if they are an integral part of a costume (such as the sign carried by Genma the Panda in Ranma 1/2, or Phoenix Wright characters).

Cosplay Props

In all cases, final decisions on what constitutes an inappropriate prop belongs to the Zenkaikon Staff and the Lancaster County Convention Center. If your prop is deemed inappropriate or dangerous to others, you will be asked to remove it to your car, room, or somewhere else outside the convention.

Please use common sense when bringing prop weaponry to Zenkaikon. If you would not carry your item in public, in plain sight, then you should not have it at the convention.

• All prop weapons must be easily identified as being replicas.
• All props must be inspected and approved by a Zenkaikon staff member at a designated prop check location.
• The maximum prop size is six feet (6’) in any direction.
• Misuse of your prop, by swinging it or endangering others with it, will result in Zenkaikon staff asking you to remove the prop from the convention space.

Weapons Policy

• Weapons, which include swords, daggers, or paddles that have been purchased in the Dealer’s room, must remain boxed and immediately removed to your car, room, or other private quarters. Zenkaikon does not store members’ items.

Types of Weapons or Props NOT Allowed

• Any weapon that can shoot a projectile or has moving parts will not be permitted. Prohibited examples include, but are not limited to: Water guns/pistols/rifles/blasters, BB/Pellet guns, Crossbows, dart guns, or blow guns.
• Live steel: Live steel is defined as any object made of metal that is capable of taking an edge, whether or not the object is actually sharp, and whether or not the object is sheathed.
• Nunchaku
• Explosives or chemicals of any kind
• Handcuffs
• Airsoft guns
• Paddles

Props, resin casts, and toys simulating the appearance of firearms will be allowed only if they:

• Are easily identifiable as toys or props
• Have no moving parts
• Are marked with a non-removable orange tip
• Are checked by staff at one of Zenkaikon’s prop check locations

Types of Weapons and Props Allowed

• Wooden swords including boken, bo sticks, and shinai.
• Anything made of paper mache or other material that is not dangerous to others (e.g. has no sharp edges, or parts sticking out that might trip people as they walk by).
• Any metal chains less than three feet (3’). This includes, but is not limited to, chain wallets or chains on non-costume clothing. While you can have chains, you cannot hold the chain like a leash and lead others around the convention.
• Bows will ONLY be permitted if they are not strung with any tension.

Disclaimer

Attendance is subject to the rules and regulations of Zenkaikon. A badge may be revoked and a member ejected from the convention for disorderly conduct, a violation of the law or rules, or in the sole discretion of a Zenkaikon official. A member acknowledges that by appearing at Zenkaikon he or she may be recorded (by video, sound, or otherwise) and consents to such recording and its publishing and re-broadcasting. In exchange solely for this license, the member, in accepting a badge: (i) releases Zenkaikon from any liability for loss or damage to persons or property, infringement of any right, or any other claim or cause of action of any kind; (ii) authorizes and permits Zenkaikon and its designees to use for any and all purposes his or her name, voice, and likeness and all reproduction thereof in any and all forms and in all media now or hereafter known in perpetuity; (iii) agrees to comply with all Zenkaikon rules and regulations.